• Thailand
  • 4 Days

Live and Learn with the Moken, the Last of the Sea Nomads

  • Basecamp Retreat
  • Cultural Immersion
  • 4 days; 3 nights
  • 2 to 6 travelers
  • Begins & ends in Kuraburi
Koh Surin National Park is a paradise of white sandy beaches, thick jungle, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best coral reefs in Thailand. It is also home to the Moken, a group of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who have lived harmoniously with Thailand's Andaman coast for hundreds of years. More recently, the Thai government has attempted to assimilate the Moken into their culture. Their efforts failed, but the Moken are now open to sharing their way of life with respectful visitors in order to protect their culture. Bask in the natural beauty of the Koh Surin Islands while you learn about in Moken Life. Snorkel in the crystal waters of the Andaman Sea, participate in a handicraft workshop, and practice the traditional art of Moken weaving. Hike through the jungle on a botanical adventure and learn about the Moken's use of medicinal herbs, edible plant species, and those they use for constructing their traditional houseboats. Take a Moken sailing boat to their village and try your hand at rowing a Moken "row-boat" and re-enacting their method of spear fishing. Listen to traditional Moken songs that tell stories and the history of their people.read more

At a Glance

Creature comforts

basic


Physical activity

light


Ground support

fully guided

Terrain

  • Ocean
  • Village Life

Practicalities

  • For ages 5+
  • Proficient english

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Diving
  • Camping
  • Indigenous culture

Your Local Expert

Andaman Discoveries

Andaman Discoveries, formerly the North Andaman Tsunami Relief, is continuing its work as a social enterprise, seeking to serve the needs of local communities. Our Mission is to be the bridge between respectful guests that are striving to travel in a sustainable way and community based tourism programs that contribute to community capacity development, education, conservation, sustainability and cultural empowerment.

The Journey

Day 1

Arrival Day

Arrive to Kuraburi for a pre-trip briefing at the Andaman Discoveries office. Enjoy the evening in the quaint town of Kuraburi. Explore the evening market and local Thai food at one of the many restaurants in town. Stay overnight at a local resort in Kuraburi with air conditioning and hot water.

Day 2

Moken Village Visit

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at the local market in Kuraburi with your translator. After, you will transfer to the Kuraburi Pier where you will hop on a speedboat to bring you to Koh Surin. When you get there, you will check into your tent accommodations at the National Park Headquarters and meet you local guide. Next, you will take a long tail boat trip to the Moken village. A tour around the village will provide insight into the Moken's close relationship with their environment. Learn about the brightly colored "Spirit Poles" and Moken homes, built on wooden stilts directly on the beach. Participate in a handicraft workshop and learn the traditional art of Moken weaving. Use forest Pandanus leaves to weave a natural bracelet. In the afternoon, take a hike with a Moken guide who will point out the plants that the Moken people make use of for medicine, food, and construction. Next, snorkel and explore the coral reef with your Moken guide. Your guide will take you to a wonderland of colorful tropical fish and allow you to witness the impressive Moken swimming techniques. Enjoy the sunset from the white sand beach. You will eat dinner at the park headquarters restaurant and sleep in the Koh Surin National Park. Tents on the beach with bedding will be provided. Electricity is generated from 6:00-10:00 pm.read more

Day 3

Life of Sea Gypsie

Eat breakfast at the park headquarters restaurant. Meet your Moken guide and take a snorkel tour to see how the have adapted to living on the water and why they love it. Watch as your Moken guide spots sea turtles and sharks swimming in the waters Return to the park headquarters to have a Thai style lunch. Hop back on the long tail boat to go visit special Moken sites around the islands. Back at the park headquarters enjoy free time to walk the beach, relax, and enjoy the sunset. You will eat dinner at the headquarter restaurant and sleep in the Koh Surin National Park. Tents on the beach with bedding will be provided. Electricity is generated from 6:00-10:00 pm.read more

Day 4

The Myth of Moken

Eat breakfast at the park headquarters restaurant. Try your hand at rowing a Moken "row-boat" and try out the Moken method of spear fishing. If there is time, head out to another snorkel site. You will return to the park headquarters to have a Thai style lunch. Pack your belongs and prepare for departure from the island. Depart Koh Surin by speedboat to Kuraburi Pier. Transfer back to Kuraburi town, and end your program.read more

Included

  • Lodging

    Accommodation in tent a the National Park

  • Meals

    Food full board

  • Transportation

    Transfer from Kuraburi to Pier and Speed boat transfer to the island

  • Equipment

    Snorkeling gear

  • Travel Insurance and TAX

  • English Speaking Guide

  • Entrance Fee

Not Included

  • Domestic and International flight

  • Any Meals and transfer that are not mentioned in the itinerary

Private Departures

Private departures, for just you and your friends or family

Flexible dates

  • 2 travelers฿20800 per person
  • 3 travelers฿17200 per person
  • 4 travelers฿15000 per person
  • 5 travelers฿14000 per person
  • 6 travelers฿13400 per person
Pricing depends on group size and host availability

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